Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 2

March 24, 2009

Today I want to continue discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

2. God pours out His blessings – Our responsibility (call) to spiritual warfare.

Many Christian can testify of the blessings that God has poured out in their lives. Many of us could spend hours describing the abundance of grace and mercy alone.  In addition, many believers live a life amazing peace, financial prosperity, maturing & genuine relationships,  and the ability to grow in godliness.

I know I can praise God and thank Him for the blessings of my wife, our children, our church family, and many, many more things that He poured out into my life. I am very thankful!

When someone receives Christ or rededicates their life to following Jesus as their Lord and Savior they begin to experience the blessings that God pours out on His children.

During that same transition period it is important for new believers to understand their responsibility to walk in accordance with His heavenly calling  in Christ Jesus and encourage the body of Christ to maturity in Him.

Even though the Christian is blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3), spiritual warfare is still the daily experience of Christians while in the world. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

The spiritual world is real and it makes an impact on more than is obvious to most believers. Paul offers insight and direction for not being taken unaware in the midst of the invisible battle around us.

Many times we struggle with things that are hard to explain or have a rough day at work, or just feel that intense pressure or weight on our shoulders, yet seemingly nothing is really wrong or needed to be done.  Not all, but many of these instances in my life have been due to spiritual warfare, and a need to go to my prayer closet and seek God.

In Ephesians 6 Paul describes the weapons of warfare that I  have turned to during these times.  Paul offers insight and wisdom in these verses, and describes the weapons of prayer, and God’s Word. It is in the tongue that brings power and life to the Word of God. I will read scripture out loud or quote some verses that pertain to my situation. The spoken Word of God has power to change things.

Then in my prayers I will seek God and ask Him for the breakthrough or victory that I need, while thanking Him for the victory that was won on the Cross.

I will close with this, His Word coupled with our Faith — changes things — it changes everything!

Next time you are experiencing one of the amazing blessings from God, remember to spend a few moments thanking Him and praying for other situations in your life, and for those struggles in others lives.

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Benefits versus Responsibilites Part 1

March 23, 2009

I know people in the church are always talking abou the blessings (benefits) of living a Christian life, and how coming into a life giving church can radically change your life.  HONESTLY SEEING THAT CHANGE NEVER GETS OLD!

The one thing I do not hear a lot of Christians or churches talking about is the responsibilities that come with those blessings. When someone enters into the Kingdom of God they recieve the full benefits of living in the Kingdom, however they also recieve all of the responsibilities of living in the Kingdom.

Many things in life operate in this same manner, yet we simply do not aply this practical reality to the church, especially to God’s Kingdom.

So this week I want to spend sometime on discussing the benefits (blessings) and the responsibilities of believers.

1. Accepted into the famiy — use our abilities for the church’s benefit

Very few believers would argue that there are major benefits and blessings that begin to manifest in thier lives as they begin to plug into a community of believers where they are welcomed, wanted, and accepted. It is a SECOND FAMILY that accepts them with open arms.  The blessings that come from this are too numerable for me to list.

Ephesians 4:7-13 that as believers we are to use our abilities for the churches benefit. Ephesians 4:12 specifically says, ” for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ”.

In too many churches in America today the believers believe that it is the “paid” pastor’s responsibility to do ministry, and to carry out all the “work” of the church.

According to scripture that is the furthest thing from the truth. It is the pastor’s job to equip the saints for the work of ministry.  It is my belief that everyone should doing ministry. The Great Commission in Matthew 28 is for every believer and not just for the “paid” pastor or the elders of the church.

A final take away here today is that it is amazing and wonderful when people begin to be adopted into the family, but with that comes the responsibility to use your abilities to benefit the family.

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Leadership Via Dora part 3

March 19, 2009

Back in January I posted 2 blogs that still to date have been my most viewed posts.

I have talked from time to time about posting a Leadership Via Dora Part 3.

So here it goes!

Have you ever noticed when watching Dora that she is not about her own business?

She continually is looking to serve and help people on every episode. {Okay, maybe there was that one Dora’s Birthday Surprise}.

Every time I watch Dora with my three year old, it jumps out at me that she is trying to serve someone or something. Always trying to bring restoration to a situation, reconcile a relationship, or help someone accomplish a goal.

Sound like anyone you know?

Matthew 20:28

28just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Mark 10:45

45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

It is amazing that a simple childrens program gets it, but the majority of our society is out for themselves. Our society teaches people to be out for number one.

In our culture we are so caught up with instant gratification,  and securing goods for ourselves that many fail to serve their neighbor. We definitely live in a time and culture that no longer loves their neighbor as thyself or serves others as a lifestyle.

Another interesting fact about Dora is that she is no respecter of persons and even forgives Swiper the Fox for swiping items from her party or adventures. In several episodes Swiper and Dora work together to accomplish their goal like the Friendship 1 hour special.

I know… it sounds like I am obsessed with Dora. I am not.

I am however, very interested in learning from Media how to reach and teach the next generation {and our adults} how to get a hold of the truth God has laid out in his wonderful & amazing Word!

Hope you enjoyed Part 3…please feel free to leave some feedback.

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TWISI

March 5, 2009

TWISI = The Way I See It!

At Overflow Church we are about to embark on an amazing journey to discover and evaluate the way you see the world!

In life many people ponder about things, but few take the time to reflect on how they see things, or why they see them the way that they do.  In a world full of moral and social relativism, the truth is in short supply.

I genuinely believe that we will have fun and enjoy the provocative discussions that will ensue during these 6 short weeks.

The ground that is covered in these 6 weeks is emence, and  will stretch you to the point that your mind might throb a little.

All in all, I believe this will change your life and the way you see the World forever.

Overflowers… start praying now… for God to shape, stretch, and challenge you through TWISI!

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Tuesday Night Reflection

March 4, 2009

Tuesday Night Reflections is normally a time for me to reflect on the happenings of the previous week and random thoughts about the things going on in sports, culture, and the church.

This week is going to be a little different. I spent 3 days in Nashville attending some leadership meetings.  Then church on Sunday was heavy and deep with the Hebrews 12 sermon on “What can be shaken, will be shaken”.

Today I want to reflect on a couple of blogs, and then what I have done about it.

1. Where Are You? – A realistic look at yourself and where you are with your walk with Christ.
2. Questions – What are you believing for, and what are you doing about it?
3. Where are You? Part 2 – With the things in the world being shaken, are you on the same page with your spouse? Key Relationships in you life?

All three of these blogs flowed out of some processing I have been doing lately. I have been concerned with some people around me, and some old friends progression in their Walk with the Lord.

I have looking at those people in my life that I am charged with by God to disciple, and evaluating fruit. To be honest with you there has been some good fruit, and some not so good fruit.

Then I took some hard looks at my personal walk, growth,  and physical health. All of this came to a point last night.

Ashlee and I went to dinner at Chili’s (My favorite place) and had a talk. We discussed several issues and concerns about church, non-church, and family life.

She came with a list of items and concerns. She presented her case, and I repeated what I thought she was trying to communicate before giving my feedback. It was good!

We discussed the key areas of our life, and made sure we were on the same page.  Many times we assume people are on board with what we are doing, but it pays dividends to stop and find out.

My wife honored my by writing out in detail her concerns and questions to make sure I was on board with all that she was wanting to pursue. I felt respected, honored, and empowered to release her and encourage her in many areas. At the same time, I felt released and encouraged to continue to pursue somethings that I know are difficult for her and my family.

It was so powerful.  You see all the ministry and changed lives are worth the work,  long days, and painful decisions that I make and my family lives with day in and day out. There is no question that it is worth it.

Ashlee and I did come to an agreement that it is worth all the pain and suffering, but it is not worth our marriage.  Last night, we placed our marriage and family as a priority and dealt with some things even though we had meetings that I had to find someone else to lead for me. It was worth it!

I believe that God used that to bring breakthrough to my marriage, my family life, my church, and even our prayers.

Just some encouraging words for you pastors, leaders, and believers out there.

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Where Are You? Part 2

March 3, 2009

Last week I wrote part 1 of “Where Are You? which discussed the three basic stages of maturing in your Christian Faith and walk with Christ. The ultimate question was “where are you in your walk?”

The first post was based on Hebrews chapter 5,  today I want to take a look a little further in Hebrews.

This past Sunday I preached on Hebrews 12 verses 18-29.  Let’s take a look at them.

Hebrews 12:26-28

26And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “YET ONCE MORE I WILL SHAKE NOT ONLY THE EARTH, BUT ALSO THE HEAVEN.”

27This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;

The Message Version

So don’t turn a deaf ear to these gracious words. If those who ignored earthly warnings didn’t get away with it, what will happen to us if we turn our backs on heavenly warnings? His voice that time shook the earth to its foundations; this time—he’s told us this quite plainly—he’ll also rock the heavens: “One last shaking, from top to bottom, stem to stern.” The phrase “one last shaking” means a thorough housecleaning, getting rid of all the historical and religious junk so that the unshakable essentials stand clear and uncluttered.

In my message on Sunday I talked about what can be shaken will be shaken, and I believe we are in a time of shaking. This is not a doom and gloom message, nor am I trying to call out churches, the world, or pastors.

What I am trying to do is call the church to a time a reflection, prayer, and repentance. I live a very transparent life. I share a lot of the happenings in my life here on the blog, and in my messages. When I closed the service Sunday I prayed that God would show us the areas we need to get in order, so that no shaking could move us off of the firm Foundation of the Rock of Jesus Christ. I personally asked God to show me areas in my life.

Monday Night (last Night) Ashlee and I took this to heart. We went to dinner for one purpose. We set down and discussed a list of issues, concerns, and thoughts to make sure were on the same page in unity. We dealt with church issues, non-church issues, and family concerns.

Our goal in meeting was to make sure we were walking in unity, not a house divided against itself during this time. We wanted to make sure we were moving forward together and not in different directions.

The conversation was not easy, although it was not difficult either. God blessed our discussion, and I believe we have a strong marriage this morning, than we did yesterday due to this set aside time.

One last interesting fact about this time is that we had a planned prayer meeting, but we felt it was so important to have this time of discussion that we got someone else to lead it, so we could make sure this discussion happened.

One may be asking how does this relate to shaking.

The answer is simple: We are now on solid ground in our relationship and the various things that are stresses to each one of us.  If shaking comes,  natural pressure of ministry and life, or warfare intensifies, we will be standing firm together on a solid foundation.

My questions for you today are:

Is there something in your life that you need to get in order, so that you know in your spirit that you are planted on solid ground?

Where are you at in your walk with Christ?

Where are you in your relationships with key people? Are you and your spouse on the same page?

Do you need to have some serious, intentional discussions to make sure you stand in unity in every area of your life?

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Blessed Girl

February 19, 2009

Blessed Girl by guest blogger – Ashlee Bradford

This blog has been brooding in my spirit for a few days, and I’m not really sure I can adequately express what is in my heart…but honestly…God is so good! We have lived in Wisconsin for over 3 years now. The first two years were miserable — we were in the wilderness — confused at what exactly God was doing, attempting to be obedient, and struggling. I think I grew up more in those 2 years then any other time in my life. We could have turned away from ministry entirely and to be honest, I’m not certain anyone would have cared that we were throwing our destinies away. But, we pursued God anyway. It was so hard some days. We talked incessantly about what we felt God calling us to do in this region. We didn’t feel released to move forward. Then in Aug of 2007 after we went to The Call in Nashville at Titan Stadium we started the Flood House of Prayer and shortly thereafter our Life Groups. In June of 2008 we started having regular Sunday services. We are still small, but God is bringing shape to the vision he gave us and bringing us the right people in His timing. Sometimes I’d like to rush things along but I think God is building our church, carefully…with thoughtful preparation. I used to be so jealous of those who seemed to be handed ministry on a platter…that was all they had ever done. On the other hand, Kevin has been bivocational for so long…and sometimes gone to school at the same time as well…and at times it’s been a challenge. But, in retrospect (and Kevin is still bi-vocational as I write this) it’s grown us up too, made us more passionate, made us more appreciative of the authority and opportunity that God gives us. At times, we’ve had chances to walk away and take the easy way (a full-time paid ministry position) but God always answers with, “Is that what I’ve called YOU too?” I’m so thankful we have stuck the course, because I see God doing something awesome and had we left He would use someone else here. I’m sure eventually Kevin will leave his “day job” as we call it, but in the meantime God has brought contentment. Sometimes I worry about how hard it is on our kids, but Kevin is so intentional to spend quality time with them that I think they actually get MORE attention then many kids whose parents only have one job. On top of it, I’m home with them during the day, doing school, hanging out, playing games, etc. I’m so thankful we chose to home school as well, they are learning, growing, and changing everyday…and I don’t miss a minute of it! A little over a year ago, I read a book called Dangerous Surrender by Kay Warren. It really changed my mind in regards to how I think about a lot of areas of my life. Since putting some of my previous attitudes in check, it’s amazing to see what God has done. It seems that with my attitude in the right place (not being terribly concerned over material goods, free of jealousy, etc) God has really opened up the floodgates of heaven. We have been paying off debt. We have a nice home, van, and moped. In January we got new furniture…and last weekend we were finally able to buy the girls a new play set for the backyard. We now have the extra cash for fun things like getting my hair done, taking the girls to the girly salon, going on a date, etc. God has been extraordinarily faithful! You cannot out give God! Lately, over and over again I am so awestruck by God’s goodness. How much He has grown us up, how blessed we are, how excited I am to see what He wants to do in Appleton! It’s not that there aren’t needs, questions, and struggles — there certainly are — but I have a calm confidence that God is working it out and that He is bringing His Kingdom here! Praise God!

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Special Valentine’s Day Post

February 13, 2009

Well tomorrow is Valentine’s Day and I am not much into the whole Valentine’s Day thing, but I wanted to honor my lovely wife. We have been married 9 1/2 years exactly tomorrow. So here is my top 9 1/2 favorite things about her.

1. She has a Passion to see the Kingdom of God manifest itself on Earth in a way that changes people’s lives.

2. I love that she has a passion to see me succeed! (I am very blessed)

3. She thinks I am handsome & sexy! (she tells me often - yes I am blessed)

4. She is an amazing mom! Ashlee takes such good care of my girls, and she is always teaching them new things and most importantly about God!

4.5 She mother’s the people in our church in a powerful way that allows them to grow and mature.

5. Ashlee is a wonderful wife in so many ways, I could not even begin to explain.

6. Ashlee is beautiful and sexy!

7. Ashlee is intelligent, ambitious, and always believes God that anything is possible.

8. Ashlee has a good sense of humor and always loves a good romantic comedy!

9. Ashlee has an intense passion for enjoying the things I like, and makes them her own! (NFL, UFC, Suspense Movies and it blesses my socks off!)

Ashlee, will you be my Valentine :) !

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Disney on Ice

February 13, 2009

Tonight I took my wife and kids out on a fun date night.

We drove to nearby Green Bay to eat at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant, and then over to the Resch Center to see 100 years of Disney on Ice.

It might have been the best Disney show I have seen. The one thing that I know for sure is that my kids had a blast, and they were ecstatic about going to the show. The entire show both girls just pointed, clapped, and smiled. Absolutely worth  every penny and amount of effort spent to make tonight happen!

Have you taken your family out on a date recently?

Next week Lessons Via Parenting 2 & Leadership Via Dora part 3

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Tuesday Night Reflections

February 11, 2009

If you have been around the blog for long, or if you went back and read the last few Tuesday Night Reflections then you would know that God has been really blessing my family and I. This includes my immediate family, and our church family at Overflow Church.

God has not disappointed these last seven days either. Below are a few of my reflections from the past few days.

  • Our Wednesday Night Life Group had some wonderful discussion. The topics in our Renovate series has really been inspiring some good dialogue.
  • On Friday some people that we knew as acquaintances through our home school co-op came over for dinner and an evening of games. After the night, I could say that they are some good friends, and I am excited to continue to get to know them. (And John saved me $1000…seriously)
  • Overflow Church’s Men’s Ministry (OCMM) kicked-off the 2009 schedule with men’s breakfast on Saturday morning.
  • After the  OCMM breakfast I went with a couple people from our church body and we purchased our first PA/sound equipment.
  • We used the equipment for the first time on Sunday. We got great reviews from those attending.
  • Sunday… that is a whole topic for itself. I could blog an entire series on the firsts, deep revelation released, and the worship experiences created this weekend.
  • Overall it was our most powerful service of 2009. (I was really worried that it would not be very good. I was struggling with how things had come together.)
  • The worship on Sunday was really great with the new sound equipment, the message was a little meaty (deep). God proved one more time, if you will unashamedly speak what He leads you to say.
  • I know at least 2 people that got really touched, and very, very effected by the Word.
  • On Sunday I cast vision to remind our church about the vision and goals for 2009.
  • This Sunday at Overflow will be a very special Sunday Celebration Service entitled “The Message”.  I am pumped about the message being prepared, the worship, and some of the exciting things going on during the service.
  • We currently have more visitors confirmed to attend, than we have in our church. This is going to be exciting.
  • Please pray for our service, our team, and that God moves powerfully in these peoples lives.
  • Tonight was a good night. I went to buy 1 new shirt to wear on Sunday for our service. I wanted something new and fresh to wear. I ended up with 8 new shirts, and I paid less than I had expected to pay for 1. (PRAISE GOD)

Well, those are all the thoughts I can get out tonight. Check back in the next few days for the following blog topics: Leadership Via Dora 3, Lessons Via Parenting Part 2, Inadequacy, Forgiveness and more.

In His Favor,

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